Blame game
Meri Cava, Suva
There is too much blame game by the Ministry of Education officials. In the Fiji Sun of Monday May 23, 2016 (pg: 13) Permanent Secretary for Education is blaming school managements for suspicious building certification. In the same article, he is admitting these buildings are over 60 years old. So what was the building code 60 years ago?
In the case of QVS, the Ministry of Education is still the school management ever since it started. So, who is PS blaming? He further adds that some school management have used Government funds the quickest way.
“Unfortunately, the quickest was not the safest way,” he adds.
Again, QVS, as an example, has been managed by the Ministry of Education. If the ministry has not managed resources well with all its expertise and highly paid officers, what does he expect from managements who are volunteer workers and faith-based organisations? I think the well-functioning school by faith-based organisations is a testimony of sound management despite allegations against them.
I salute the Methodist Church, Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Seven-day Adventist, Assemblies of God, Arya Samaj, Sanatan, Sikh, Chinese and Fiji Muslim League and Ahmadiyah Muslim for their unparalleled contribution to education no one can brush them aside.
At the principal’s conference, the Minister has made shocking revelations that on a daily basis, 10,000 children are absent from schools. He is asking for answers.
I ask the education ministry to humble themselves and consult the education guru, Dr Brij Lal, in FijiFirst. For reasons unknown to this country he is not Minister for Education – but he alone in FijiFirst is a capable visionary leader in education. The solution lies within, FijiFirst and I hope the PM will make some bold decisions and he will never have to reverse Minister’s decisions.
Hibiscus Highway
Simon Hazelman, Savusavu
Our Hibiscus Highway which stretches along our southern coastline from Savusavu Town up to Buca Bay has two very concerning issues.
Firstly the highway is incomplete. The sealed road which should go all the way to Natuvu came to a standstill in the middle of the construction of the Nabouwalu highway and has presently only reached Kasavu. With the completion of the Nabouwalu highway we expect work to begin our way but it hasn’t?
Secondly, the completed stretch from Savusavu to Kasavu is not being maintained. Vegetation has grown over the footpaths and drainage and onto the highway as well. The only thing that is stopping the weeds and vines from growing across the sealed road is the traffic! The neglect is already causing problems with the road structure and it will only get worse if nothing is done about it!
What is supposed to be a new highway along this popular, populated coastline has already being neglected.
We deserve better!
Weightlifting gold medals
Edwin Sandys, Suva
Congratulations to Tulo and his team for their gold medal wins. Well done boys.
Only one disturbing observation; a lady sitting right up the front remained seated during the national anthem despite everyone being asked to stand.
This happened when the President was standing on stage. Perhaps an official should have signalled the lady to stand.
Freedom of the press
Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva
I support the preservation of the freedom of the press, but I also expect this newspaper to conduct itself in a responsible spirit.
It’s printing the most extreme, mischievous and untruthful things of iTaukei traditions disregarding its effects on the stability of this nation. It gives us the chill and goosebumps (e sokunu na yagoda ni da rogoca).
People who write about other vanua have so much audacity and insolence to destroy and imperil our relationship and it’s definitely a menace to others who view these things as contributing to stability.
How can people of other vanua talk of another confederacy in the guise of freedom of expression?
We all know that there are official spokespersons who can speak for each vanua (gusu ni vosa) about such things and can easily be solved by the Native Lands Commissioner (Liuliu ni Veitarogi Vanua) in consultation with the people of that particular vanua. It’s quite un-iTaukei to be critical of other vanua and its practices. It’s a daring practice (siosio and veikalawaci). Such vulgarity is simply aiding the prosecution of Fijian (iTaukei) practices if it’s allowed merely to be destructive and indifferent to its consequences. It should be stopped.
Speak for yourself not others especially when it’s a different vanua.
Mozzy spray campaign
Joji O Toronibau, Tunuloa
Now as we are almost half-way through 2016, I wish we at the North could also have some mozzy spray campaign after the heavy rainfall in past few weeks and post-cyclone Winston.
Tax and fines
Neelz Singh, Lami
Tax and fines from liquor and environmental matters, accumulated are put in good use.
I think we should focus on anti-smoking and jay walking so more revenue can be accumulated. May we succeed?
Surprises
Floyd Robinson, Nasinu
In terms of 7s rugby, are we in for some big surprises come the Rio Olympic Games? Come to think of it Kenya, Samoa and Scotland won the three most recent tournaments.
Scotland has taken the game of 7s rugby to another level. There is no way one can say that their win was a fluke.
Meanwhile, it’s a huge achievement for Ben Ryan and the team winning their first World Rugby Sevens Series back-to-back. Beyond that it will be a nightmare for Ryan when it comes selecting players for Rio.
Individuals like Nayacalevu, Mata and Dakuwaqa have definitely put on outstanding performances, adding pressure to the selection process.
Poll candidates
Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada
It is encouraging to read that SODELPA will be aiming for high calibre candidates who are able to think on their feet in its 2018 general election line-up (FS 25/5).
Sitting MP Viliame Gavoka has been used as an example as he seldom reads from prepared texts and has the ability to articulate issues at the drop of the hat and captures the attention of listeners.
For a high calibre candidate to win the votes of the people come 2018, the candidate has to start mingling with the people today and work in gaining their confidence by meeting their needs.
Come the election campaign, the candidate already have people who would vote for him/her, with more people being attracted to the candidates charisma, compassion and straight forward spontaneous answers to any questions or issues raised during the election campaign.
High calibre candidates like MP Viliame Gavoka is not an overnight phenomenon as it takes years of service, experience and reading and knowing what is happening around us.
For a high calibre candidate to be in Parliament one has to be voted in first and for that to happen, one has to prove to the voters by example that when voted in, they will put the interest of the Fijian people first.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj